A Guide to Natural Falls State Park, an Oklahoma Wonder

Natural Falls State Park in Oklahoma is a lovely little escape to waterfalls, scenic hikes, and, if you want to stay a little bit longer, the yurt life.

If the name doesn’t ring a bell but the images of the park seem familiar, that may be the falls’ starring role as a filming site for Where the Red Fern Grows. 

Yes, I know it was a book first. I also read sometimes.

Let’s take a deep dive into the beautiful scenery of Natural Falls State Park, how to plan your trip, and all the things you can do while you’re there.

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Natural Falls State Park: FAQs Before You Go

Note: This park is not the same as Okmulgee Lake & Recreation Area, once known as Dripping Springs Park. The falls in the park were actually renamed from Dripping Springs Falls to Natural Falls to avoid continued confusion on the matter, but it still trips people up.

Speaking of all that, let’s get into our favorite trails from our trip to Natural Falls State Park.

Natural Falls State Park Hiking

A good day of nature hikes was our primary purpose for making the trek out to Natural Falls, and the park did not disappoint. None of your options are very long or strenuous, and most of the trails connect to one another.

You can create your own loops of about three miles or so just by connecting from one trail to the next or pick and choose from the trails below based on how much time you have in the area.

Dripping Springs Trail

Mileage: 1.1 miles
Difficulty Level: Moderate

This loop trail is why most tourists travel to Natural Falls State Park. While there is indeed a spring and a little lake along the way, the big payoff here is the park’s 77-foot-tall waterfall. 

You can see the falls from a viewpoint at the very top, but if you’re able, follow the boardwalk path to the lower level for views from below. The moderate rating comes from a short section of elevation gain along a natural path that does get fairly steep. 

Once you’re at the bottom, all of the effort is worth it. The falls are a jewel of Oklahoma tourism. While you may only get a trickle depending on when you’re here, the scenery is still really lovely from any angle. 

If you want a bit more of a challenge while you’re down here, you can connect to this one from the Bear Trail. That short spur starts near the picnic pavilion along the paved Pine Ridge Trail. It’s steep but all downhill for a little over half a mile. 

Ghost Coon Trail

Mileage: 1.4 miles
Difficulty Level: Easy

I don’t love the name of this one, but I guess it’s a reference to the critters who frequent these parts when dusk falls. The evidence of that is right there on the signage, with their little paw prints imprinted into the wood. 

I suppose it could also reference the coonhounds in the classic novel this place is connected to, but I feel like I’m getting into the weeds now. 

The trail itself is more of a nature walk through prairie and forest. We saw a stroller on this one. That’s how easy it was.

Note: The trail isn’t paved, by the way, so that family may have had some regrets.

Fox Den Trail

Mileage: 1.1 miles
Difficulty Level: Moderate

Dripping Springs is scenic and lush, but the Fox Den Trail is the most exciting of the available trails. It packs quite a bit in over a short distance. You’ll see a series of caves along the way, a dam and manmade falls, and a river crossing.

Yep, we had to scramper over a series of rocks in the middle of a shallow river with our skittish dog. Nobody got wet and I feel like we should get a reward of some sort for that.

I can see this one getting a little precarious after a rainy day and less precarious than our experience in the dry months, but I’d still recommend it if you’re up for a little intrigue.

There are some steep climbs up and down on this trail, especially if you lose the trail itself on your maps. Follow along on your AllTrails map if you’re able to reduce your risk of getting lost. 

Fun fact: If you upgrade to AllTrails+, you can download trail maps ahead of your hikes in case you lose service in a less populous area. We had no problem catching a signal in this park, but it’s a good thing to know if you’re an avid hiker (or want to be)!

Pine Ridge Trail

Mileage: 0.7 miles
Difficulty Level: Easy

We found ourselves on this one accidentally on our way to the Drippings Springs Trail, and you likely will, too. This is a paved trail that essentially connects visitors from the main parking lot to other areas of the park.

It’s not all that exciting, but you’ll use it to get to the park’s picnic shelters, disc golf, and other park amenities. 

More Things to Do at Natural Falls State Park

While in the park, you can partake in some Natural Falls State Park fishing, sand volleyball, family picnics in the pavilion, and disc golf. 

Honestly, I still don’t know what disc golf is. I see the posts. I see people playing. I just don’t ever see people successful at the thing, so it’s hard for me to get on board. If you love it, and you’re good at it, can you demo it for me, please?

Natural Falls is also a popular spot for wildlife watching. We only heard critters in the woods on our hike, but we had our dog with us. I imagine seeing that panther in the woods frightened off any chance for the deer, raccoons, and turkeys we may have seen otherwise.

Natural Falls State Park Yurts

Let’s say you know you’re going to love it here based on my descriptions of the park alone and want to stay overnight. The park boasts one of the most unique overnight stays in the state. You can stay in a yurt here for an evening of glamping.

Fun fact: The portable, round tents known as yurts were first used by nomadic people in Central Asia. In the United States, they’re popular with nomadic people who want some hot content for their social media.

There are five yurts at Natural Falls State Park. Three of them sleep up to six and two sleep up to four people. Each yurt includes basic amenities like mini-fridges, microwaves, coffeemakers, and a small table and chairs. 

Outside each yurt, amenities include picnic tables, lantern holders, a charcoal grill and fire ring, portable toilets, and a set of Adirondack chairs. You won’t have shower facilities on site, but there’s a comfort station at the RV campground nearby.

How do I reserve a yurt at Natural Falls State Park? You can reserve a yurt at Natural Falls State Park by calling park staff at (918) 422-5802 or booking online. 

The park also has RV sites and tent sites, but you’ll need to reserve those in advance, as well, even if you’re here for Natural Falls State Park camping. I’m saying you can’t just show up and pitch a tent wherever you please. 

If you’re looking for a place to host your next family reunion or corporate events (I really don’t know what that means), the Red Fern Reunion Center at the park is also available for rentals. 

Natural Falls State Park Cabins

Outside of those options inside the park, you can stay within close proximity to the park at Natural Falls State Park cabins and other accommodations. We visited the park on a day trip from Tulsa, but here are a few cabin-style accommodations that caught my eye:

• This log cabin in Flint Creek, Oklahoma, looks like it could lead to some pretty spectacular sunsets. You’ll be right across the street from an 1830s-era mill, too, so enjoy those s’mores with a side of history.
• You’re not in Kansas anymore at this stunning option with all the amenities you’d dream of in a holiday home. Well, you’ll literally be in Kansas…Kansas, Oklahoma, that is.
• This listing in Flint Creek is your new “Happy Place.” Those are their words, not mine, but I must say those Adirondack chairs do look inviting.

Interested in hotel-style accommodations? I typically use Booking.com for the best deals on hotels, but always cross-check with Hotels.com. Check out the map below for options close to the park:

What attractions are near Natural Falls State Park?

There are a few attractions of note as far as things to do near Natural Falls State Park if you’re in the area enjoying that yurt life: 

• Visit Flint Creek Water Park, just five minutes from Natural Falls, for more trails, fishing, and a natural swimming hole.
• Cross over the border into Arkansas for water activities at Siloam Springs Kayak Park. Just make sure to watch the website for potential closures due to flood waters!
• Check out the wares at the Siloam Springs Farmers Market if you’re visiting on a Saturday outside of the winter months.

If you’re on a long road trip of Oklahoma’s state parks, here are a few more parks that may be of interest:

• Robbers Cave State Park: This one is famous for its connections to outlaws like Jesse James and Belle Starr. You can actually hike to the caves they hid out in, which sounds pretty sweet.
• Roman Nose State Park: Visit this park for canyon vistas, mountain biking trails through gypsum rock cliffs, and natural springs. This one also boasts an 18-hole golf course in case that does anything for you. (It sure does something for Brian!)
• Tenkiller State Park: Don’t freak out about the name. It’s a nod to Lake Tenkiller, which is named after the Tenkillers, a local and important Cherokee family. Did you get all that? If so, visit for all of the water activities, including a scuba diving site.

Is Natural Falls State Park in Oklahoma worth visiting?

Natural Falls State Park in Oklahoma is definitely worth visiting. The park’s main attraction is a stunner, but it’s also a great place to hike any enjoy the surrounding scenery.

I hope I’ve enticed you enough to check out the power of natural waterfalls in this part of the country!